The Bloc Québécois, meanwhile, had an absolutely dismal quarter, raising less than even the Green Party. The Bloc's largest donation in the period was $525, less than half of the current $1,200 limit per contribution.

That limit, however, was exceeded in two donations to the NDP, in one case by a factor of nearly 250.

The large donations are allowed due to an exception in the donation rules. If the contribution is made in a person's last will and testament it is not subject to the limit and can be as large as the donor desires.

The Liberals sharply limited donations from corporations and unions in 2003 before the Tories eliminated them altogether in 2006. Federal parties have relied on the subsidy to stay afloat ever since. With both sources of income gone, individual donations will be the only game in town.